Even as Mike Krzyzewski ruled out a return as coach of the U.S. men's basketball team, USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo remained patient. "What I've said along is, with what he has contributed to the USA Basketball program and what's he accomplished and what he means to it, he was entitled to be given the time to make a final decision," Colangelo told USA TODAY Sports. "Time has worked to our mutual advantage." Now, Krzyzewski is close to committing to another three-plus years with the men's team, which includes the 2014 FIBA World Cup of Basketball in Spain and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. "Within a few days, we're going to know for sure," Colangelo said. "It's pretty evident by some of the things he said – where at one time there was no shot he would return, it's a long way from that now.

Shane Battier wouldn't be surprised if Mike Krzyzewski, his coach at Duke, comes back to coach at 3rd Olympics. “No,'' Battier said about not being surprised. "He’s one of the most competitive people I’ve ever been around. That’s what makes him great. And so it’s not surprising me at all to hear that he has interest. Every athlete, every person who’s done this at a high level, after they step away from a really trying time, a really emotional time, says, ‘It’s too much. I can’t climb that mountain again.’ But if you’re far away enough from that mountain, you start that jones, that itch. So it’s not surprising at all.’’

exit7

05-22-13 05:09 PM

I'm sure Colangelo does hope Coach K stays, then he doesn't have to explain why he won't choose the best basketball coach in the world right now in Pop and would prefer Doc Rivers. I wouldn't be surprised if he chose D'Antoni over Pop.